OTRC: Will Smith talks 'Men in Black III,' surprise ending (Video)

Will Smith turns 44 on Sept. 25, 2012. The actor, film producer and rapper is known for his work in films such as 'Independence Day,' 'Men In Black,' 'I Am Legend' and 'Hancock.'Pictured: Will Smith talks to OnTheRedCarpet.com about 'Men In Black 3' in a May 2012 interview.

After a four-year hiatus, Will Smith makes his return to theaters with "Men in Black III" and the actor reveals that the film has a surprise ending that loyal fans might not see coming.

Warning: some spoilers ahead!

Both Tommy Lee Jones and Smith reprise their roles as Agent K and Agent J from the first two films. In this film, Agent J travels back in time to 1969 to help save a young Agent K - played by Josh Brolin - as well as planet earth. It's the first film in the franchise to be released in 3D, which Smith admires.

"The time jump sequence is the beauty of 3D. That's how 3D is supposed to be used," Smith Told OnTheRedCarpet.com in a recent interview for the film. "I think Barry Sonnenfeld did a genius job in building out that sequence and then also there's a surprise at the end of the movie that I think is very special."

"That ending was the final creative length that I felt would make the entire movie come together," he added. "It's a sequel but when you get to the end of the movie, you realize it's a prequel."

Smith also credits Brolin's spot-on portrayal of Tommy Lee Jones' Agent K with helping to make the film work.

"Josh Brolin, the whole of the movie rested on his portrayal of Agent K. If he didn't deliver Agent K in a believable way, the whole movie falls apart," he said. "It's funny because he did it so well, that it actually disappears. You even forget the level of performance that he's given."

He added, "If Agent K was a real live character, Josh Brolin would get an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Agent K. "

The "Men in Black" franchise kicked off in 1997. A sequel hit theaters in 2002 and Smith's last film was the 2008 film "Seven Pounds." He also has several movies in production and more than three dozen in development, including sequels to "Independence Day," "Hancock," "I, Robot" and "Bad Boys," and a prequel to his 2007 film, "I Am Legend."

"I think to this point in my career, it's probably the most unique thing I've ever done," Smith said about the "Men in Black" franchise. "It's like a secret organization that polices and monitors alien activity on and off of the planet earth. It's very distinct and unique."

"You know we've created something that when people look back 50 years from now, there's not going to be a lot of things that are like 'Men in Black,'" he added. "'Men in Black' is truly a stand out franchise.

"Men in Black III" also stars Emma Thompson as Agent O, the new head of MIB, "Saturday Night Live" actor Bill Hader as Andy Warhol, while "The X Factor" judge and Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger portrays a woman named Lilly.

The film hit theaters on Friday, May 25. Check out the trailer for "Men in Black III" below.

Reporting by Cari Skillman of KABC Television, which produces the entertainment show "On The Red Carpet" (check for local TV listings).